The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) says it must respect foreign entry protocols while acknowledging the “extremely difficult and distressing experience” suffered by forward Neron Barrow, who was detained by immigration authorities in Puerto Rico.
The forward arrived with the Golden Jaguars national squad ahead of their upcoming Concacaf Nations League fixtures but was denied entry over a visa-related matter.
Addressing the incident in an official statement, the GFF said: “It is important to clarify that the GFF, as the governing body of football in Guyana, must respect and abide by the immigration laws and entry protocols of the foreign jurisdictions in which its national teams travel. While the Federation will always advocate for and support its players, it cannot override or direct the decisions of the immigration authorities of another sovereign state.”
The federation added that “being detained and denied entry into a foreign country, particularly under circumstances where communication with family and team officials is restricted, must have been an extremely difficult and distressing experience for Mr. Barrow and his family.”
Reports indicate that Barrow travelled to the territory on a visa that permits transit through the United States, before border officials determined he could not enter Puerto Rico.
The GFF confirmed it has since arranged and secured the forward’s return flight to Guyana.
It was further reported that Barrow waited for his return journey, while the rest of the Guyana squad and staff were cleared to enter the territory and have continued their match preparations.
The off-field disruption comes at a vital stage in Guyana’s campaign, with the team scheduled to play Dominica on October 1 before the same opponents again on October 4.
The Golden Jaguars currently lead Group A in League B after opening their campaign with back-to-back victories over Puerto Rico (1-0) and the Cayman Islands (2-0).
Securing maximum points from their next two fixtures would earn Guyana automatic qualification for next year’s Gold Cup and promotion to League A.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
